Solutions for 7 Emotional-Skin Issues

Emotions don't just rile up your brain—they can confound your skin. "Any emotion, particularly if it's not dealt with directly, can trigger skin disorders," says Ted Grossbart, an assistant clinical professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School. Here are new solutions for acne, rosacea, rashes, and more that go beyond the usual.

PROBLEM: RASHES

It's possible to break out in a rash even if you haven't been within 100 miles of poison ivy. Emotions can bring on itching, bumps, and flakes. "Out of the blue, you might develop a minor rash or spontaneous itch due to the histamine release that comes with stress," Waldorf says.

It's random and can happen to anyone. But those with a history of eczema or psoriasis—genetic, immune-related rashes—get hit harder, because stress sets off T cells (white blood cells) and cytokines (proteins that regulate inflammation), exacerbating these conditions. In the case of psoriasis, "overactivated T cells, in harmony with the cells and chemicals they switch on, tell the skin to turn over more quickly than it should—roughly every 8 days instead of 28—causing cells to pile up, thicken, and flake," Fried says.

SOLUTIONS:
• Since anxiety is such a troublemaker for rash-prone people, some doctors prescribe psychological treatments along with dermatological ones. A low dose of antidepressants or antianxiety drugs can often ease the stress responsible for flare-ups.
• In a study of psoriasis patients, those who listened to meditation tapes during light-therapy sessions found that their skin cleared up 40 percent faster than those who got light alone.
• Hypnosis and a form of guided imagery may also alleviate symptoms. With the help of a psychologist who provides a narrative, patients think of images that can influence their physiology. For instance, one might imagine herself in a pool of warm yogurt to sate dry, itchy skin, or envision a soothing ray of light melting away the discomfort of psoriasis. "Stress is unavoidable, but learning to manage the skin's reaction to it better is something many patients find incredibly empowering," says Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist in Boston.